Larry Lee Beckman

Larry Lee Beckman, 78, of West Burlington, Iowa died Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Great River Medical Center. Born August 11, 1939 in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Max and Ruth Beckman. He was an Iowa farm kid who started life in Prairie Grove and attended the Prairie Grove Country School until the family moved to the farm east of Danville. He then attended the Danville Community School and graduated in 1957. He served in the Iowa National Guard completing the training program in 1958. He first drove a tractor at age 10 and the farm nurtured his love of animals including his beloved horses. He married Shirley Thommen in 1960 and they later divorced. He is survived by three children: Tim Beckman, Vancouver, Washington; Danny Beckman, Tacoma, Washington; and Diane (Scott) Smith of Jacksonville, Florida. He is also survived by brothers, Philip (Ann) Beckman, Hampton, Illinois; Bill (Kitty) Beckman of Middletown, Iowa; a sister, Nancy Guffey, Danville, Iowa; one grandson, Kalen Snell of Ft. Collins, Colorado; one granddaughter, Amy Beckman of Spokane, Washington, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by close friends Ruth Garrett and Matt Reynolds....[more]

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arry was best known as the owner and operator of Beckman's Emergency Towing for the past 47 years. He started his own business at the Gulf Service Station on Summer Street and then later purchased the West Burlington Gulf Station. He began a first of its kind convenience store/gas station in 1970. He later purchased the 34 Truck Stop. Larry enjoyed his patrons and employees through these business endeavors and the towing business. He enjoyed 34 Raceways and was happy to provide support to all the drivers, crews and owners affiliated with racing. His parents preceded him in death. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 13th, at Lunning Chapel. The funeral service for Larry will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 14th, at Lunning Chapel with burial to follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery, rural West Burlington. A memorial will be established by the family.